The situation for stray animals on the ground
in Sri Lanka and especially in the east of the island
Sri Lanka, and especially the eastern and northern part of the Indian subcontinent, is still poorly developed. Since the beginning of the Covid 19, the country, which was already frequently shaken in the past, has experienced a further low point. Tourism has almost completely disappeared and many people have lost their jobs as a result. Now street animals in developing countries have without a hard life, as many people have to fight for survival themselves. Where no food is thrown away, also street animals find nothing in the garbage and another hungry mouth to feed is possible for only a few.
Tourism is a blessing for people and animals. Guests of restaurants and hotels feed leftover food to dogs and cats, so that their survival is largely ensured. However, not at Corona times. Those who can afford the luxury of a dog usually prefer a pedigree dog there to guard house and yard or even as a status symbol. For me it is always hard to see how countless, gentle street dogs are looking for love and food, while overbred pedigree dogs are bought for expensive money. Despite this, we try to place animals with families in Sri Lanka.
Of course, the medical care not only for humans, but also for animals on site is by no means comparable with German conditions. The veterinarian lacks not only equipment (such as X-ray machine, blood laboratory) but also well-founded expertise.
Well-equipped veterinary clinics can be found only in the big cities – 2-3 hours by car from Trincomalee. These facts were not a reason for me not to become active, because exactly in such places, the animals need our help the most. Moreover, it is a valuable opportunity to create jobs for locals who have a heart for animals.
Unfortunately, you see this far too often here
